For every $10 thousand you’d like to earn, it can take up to a month of search. Whether planning a lateral career move, a transition to the next level of the professional ladder, or finding your first job out of college, the band-width and quality of your network will make the difference in how long your search will take and how close your new position will match the job of your dreams.

In building a maintaining a professional network, relationships will always set you apart from your competition. Expand your professional network by joining industry specific organizations, as well as special interest groups.
The holidays are an outstanding time to connect with friends and potential employers. There are holiday events in every industry. Allow the luck factor of being in the right place at the right time.

Recent statistics say that there are about 10 candidates for every one position. Although the employment report is grim, there are still jobs out there. What can you do to stand out and land THE job?

As a staffing professional and career consultant, I’ve worked with hundreds of hiring managers and thousand of candidates. Here’s what works today:

1. The power of your personal professional network

Nothing is better than a personal referral. If you haven’t done so yet, start telling people that you are now “in transition” and seeking your next opportunity. And know that being in “transition” is not déclassé – it’s actually much more common than you think.

What to do first? Update your on-line profiles and start showing up at professional events around town. Reach out to associates from your past. Ask people to keep you in mind. Be visible!

When you’re looking for a job, you’re really in sales and the product you’re selling is you! Read up on sales skills and interviewing techniques. Know where you are in the process.

Take the initiative to circle back with everyone in your network on a periodic basis. Relationships are important and there’s nothing worse than being a fair weather friend. If you’re going to reach out and ask people for help, then take responsibility for circling back with your network regularly – even after you get the new job.

2. The power of social networking

Increase your sphere of influence. On-line social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook allow you visibility and access. Be searchable. Update your profile with key words to reflect a mini resume so that recruiters can find you. Start linking with as many people and groups as you can, especially on the business profile sites.

Open a personal email account which you only use for job hunting for the rest of your career and keep a personal business card.

Own your power when applying on-line to corporate websites:

The Internet is the best tool ever for job hunters. When possible, don’t submit your resume through the job boards. Look for someone in your personal or on-line network who can introduce you to a manager in the company. Reach out.

3. The Power of Focus

Focus your energy. You can waste hours trolling the web. Only apply to jobs which fit your skills, background and interests. This will increase your likelihood of success.

Recruiters work on many searches at the same time. When submitting your resume, make good use of the subject line. Say in the subject line: PERFECT FIT for XYZ position – DIANNE GUBIN. You will get the call.

You can make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to remember you. Attach to your resume to all correspondence.

4. The Power of Volunteering

NOW is always an outstanding time to grow your network. Every professional and non-profit association needs volunteers. Raise your hand, show up early and be visible. You’ll have the opportunity to exercise your talents and people will get to know you in a different light.

5. The Power of Thought

Remember the power of intention and expectation. While networking and interviewing, INTEND and EXPECT positive outcomes. See your self working in the company where you’re interviewing. See yourself clicking with the hiring managers and the team. See yourself working at this new job every day. Think your way into a new story and watch it unfold.

Apply these Power Tools for your career and watch your new job unfold.

The holidays were an outstanding time to reconnect with old friends and make new contacts.

Now what? You have a stack of business cards on your desk. Your life is busy. There are only so many phone calls and emails you can make. How do you stay in touch?

Whether you’re in a steady job or a consulting assignment, it’s important to connect with a larger circle outside of your immediate work environment. Jobs can end for many reasons. It’s vital to constantly meet new people.

ORGANIZE

Organize your contacts. Create a personal database outside of your work environment of those with whom you’d like to maintain contact throughout your career. Note where and when you met.

FOLLOW UP

Create time for follow up. On occasion, look through your contacts and reach out to vendors, clients, ex-colleagues and networking acquaintances to stay in touch.

Networking for professional development is a career-long process. It’s easy to return to your office from a business event with stacks of business cards that go into dusty piles. Focused networking involves the intention to build lasting relationships.

Instead of scattershot introductions, set the intention to meet someone who can help you with your career or business. Know what you want before you enter an event and don’t be afraid to tell people what you seek.

Tips to creating powerful networks include:

Attend professional events on a regular basis

Maintain contact with those you meet

Look for opportunities to volunteer

Give, give and give! Be generous.

The objective of networking is to create meaningful and valuable career- long relationships.

Make it a goal to create circles of trust and support. By actively participating in a professional network, you can become a trusted ally and a player in your industry.

____________________________________________________

Ready to hire for your team? Or ready to power your own career for personal success?

On the average, you can expect to have between three and five career changes during your lifetime and up to six job changes within a career, according to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin.

Changes in the economy or your workplace can lead to change. In many industries, job security is a thing of the past.

Change is inevitable. Stay in touch with your professional network. Former supervisors, peers, and associates will vouch for prior successes, as well as your aptitude for a new profession.

The best way to prepare for a new path is to create a road map. If you’re considering a career change, there are agencies through which you can sample a “dream job” and, for example, spend a few days brewing beer or working in an entertainment production company.

When considering a career change, explore your interests and consider potential training in this new area.

Work your network. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Who do you know who is successful in the field into which you’d like to move? Can someone provide an informational interview?

Should you choose to change careers, throughout the process maintain touch with your existing professional network. You never know when you might want to return to your prior industry.

December is an awesome time to either hire for your team or take the time to look for a new job.

One of our clients has over 16,000 positions available across the country. This is one client and only one company. The possibilities are endless.

If your company requires multiple panel interview, perhaps there is an easier process. Consider input from the team; however, you might consider identifying one person who can make the ultimate hiring decision. Your company will become more empowered.

No one has a crystal ball on how a new employee will work out. If you hesitate to hire, try the contract-for-hire model. Start the candidate as a consultant and if it does work out for both parties, make an offer in the future.

We’re seeing candidates in IT, Engineering, and Accounting receiving multiple offers. Good candidates vanish quickly. If you’re hiring, make a quick decision and you’ll have a fresh team to start in January. Your projects will get done and ultimately, you’ll receive higher accolades.

Considering a career change? There are fewer people actively looking in December. Your resume will stand-out.

Gain visibility and insider knowledge of your industry by joining professional organizations. You may want to “shop” and attend a number of events hosted by a few groups to find the right fit for you.

Look for a group that shares you interests. When you join a professional organization you immediately have something in common with the other members. Look for a group that shares your interests.

Once you find a group, do become a member and raise your hand to join a committee. Come to the table with an “I have something to give” attitude. One of the best ways to get to know new people and broaden your network is by working with others.

Participation on a committee connects you to new contacts outside of your work and can exponentially increase your circle. When you volunteer and fulfill your commitments, the outcome will be referrals, introductions, and perks.

Volunteering for a professional organization provides:

The opportunity to learn new skills

A chance to leverage skills

An opportunity to form new relationships

A way to “give back”

Find professional associations through online event calendars, industry publications, and word of mouth.